[SOLVED] Newbie question Ram 16 X 2 or 8 X 4 ? F

[Hitech651]

First attempt to configure a computer. Will be an intel i9700K. Have 16 meg ram now and doesn't do the trick. Need help. Any thoughts?

 

[Hitech651]

Now I even understand; will configure later; limited in time so again you have no idea how much I appreciate the help.

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

I would personally opt for the RX5700XT over the 2060 Super

Wow, you're not kidding ! I just compared the 2 and realized my stupidity ... I had my mind set on the 2060 Super for my own build as well ... now definitely considering the 5700XT. I had a mental block against AMD ... not sure why.

Thank you ! 😀

Any potential compatibility/support issues I should be aware of ? Putting an AMD graphics card in an overall Intel setup ? Less driver support on systems like Ubuntu, etc ?

 

[PC Tailor]

Wow, you're not kidding ! I just compared the 2 and realized my stupidity ... I had my mind set on the 2060 Super for my own build as well ... now definitely considering the 5700XT. I had a mental block against AMD ... not sure why.

Thank you ! 😀

Any potential compatibility/support issues I should be aware of ? Putting an AMD graphics card in an overall Intel setup ? Less driver support on systems like Ubuntu, etc ?

Makes no difference what so ever in regards to compatibility. I can't comment regarding Ubuntu but I don't think there is a difference.

The only time I might consider the 2060 Super is if I wanted to do streaming as the Turin architecture is much better for it.

 

[Hitech651]

OK HERE WE GO AGAIN:

CPU: Intel® Core™ Processor i7-9700K 3.60GHZ 12MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1151
Intel Performance Tuning Protection Plan: None
Venom Boost Fast And Efficient Factory Overclocking: No Overclocking

DO I NEED ANY OF THE ABOVE????

CPU / Processor Cooling Fan: DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 CPU Air Cooler 4 Heatpipes 120MM
Coolant for Cyberpower Xtreme Hydro Water Cooling Kits: None
Motherboard: GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI ATX w/ Intel 802.11ac WiFi, ARGB, USB 3.1, 3 PCIe x16, 3 PCIe x1, 6 SATA3, 2 M.2 SATA/PCIe
RAM / System Memory: 32GB (8GBx4) DDR4/3200MHz Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Vengeance LPX)
ORIGINAL QUESTION 8gb x 4 OR 16gb x 2

Video Card: GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 (Turing) [VR Ready] (Single Card)
Freebie of Video Card: None
Sli Bridge: None
EVGA Power: None
HTC VIVE Virtual reality Headset: None
Video Capture Card: None
Power Supply: 650 Watts - Corsair TX-M Series TX650M 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Semi-Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply
Primary Hard Drive: 512GB Intel 660P M.2 NVME SSD + 3TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo (Combo Drive)
Freebie of Solid State Drive: None
Secondary Hard Drive: 1TB WD Black SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 7200 RPM HDD (Plus 16GB Intel Optane Memory HDD Acceleration 18X Faster (Secondary Storage Drive))
Hard Drive Cooling Fan: None
External Storage: None
Internal Wireless Network Card: None
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
Internal Network Card: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
USB Hub & Port: Internal USB 3.0 4-Port Hub
External Accessories: None
Operating System: Windows 10 Home (64-bit Edition)

WINDOWS 10 HOME or WINDOWS 10 PRO
Ultra Care Option: Cooler Master Mastergel Maker CPU-Thermal Compound Optimized for Thermal Dissipation

IS ABOVE SOMEHING I NEED/WANT

LOOKED ALL OVER THE CYBERPOWER LIST OF OPTIONS AND COULD NOT FIND NOCTUA COOLING FANS. 2ND CHOICE?

AGAIN SUPER THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

ORIGINAL QUESTION 8gb x 4 OR 16gb x 2

I'll address your original question first.

This topic has already been discussed (on this forum). I'm quoting the best answer from this thread: https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/2-vs-4-sticks.3087640/

(See first sentence below)

On dual channel motherboard 2 ram modules give the best performance.
Going to 4 modules requires Command Rate increase from 1T to 2T and that causes slight performance hit.
Not that it would be very noticeable, but it's there.
Also in some cases going from 2 to 4 ram modules will require to change some other ram performance settings (increase timings, lower frequency, increase voltage, etc.).

Answer: Go with 2x16GB.

One added advantage that is obvious - If you put in 2x16GB now and someday decide to put in 32GB more RAM, you will simply need to buy 2 more sticks and add them in. No sticks wasted.

However, if you put in 4x8GB now and decide to max out your RAM later, the 8GB sticks will go to waste and you'll have to buy 4 new sticks of 16GB each.

 

[PC Tailor]

Sorry - i thought my first answer covered this

What is your motherboard? 4x8 will only really be useful running quad channel.
If it's a dual channel board, 2x16GB is best.

Also if you plan on upgrading later just remember mixed modules are not guaranteed compatibility, so it's best practice to buy a whole new pack if you ever want to upgrade RAM.

 

[Hitech651]

I toALLY GOOFED; ONLY WENT WITH 16 MEG RAM NOT 32 MEG; AGAIN ANY REVIEWS UPDATES/SUGGESTIONS

mY COMPUTER TOOK THRRE TRIES BEFORE IT LOADED; FIRST THING i DID A FEW MINUTES LATER WAS LOAD eXCEL AND THAT TOOK 52 SECONDS; NEXT LOADED INTENET; ONCE IT LOADED I COULD NOT SWITH TO ANY OTHER LOCATION. I THINK THE OLD GIRL IS DYING


Video Card: GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 (Turing) [VR Ready] (Single Card)
Freebie of Video Card: None
Sli Bridge: None
EVGA Power: None
HTC VIVE Virtual reality Headset: None
Video Capture Card: None
Power Supply: 650 Watts - Corsair TX-M Series TX650M 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Semi-Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply
Primary Hard Drive: 512GB Intel 660P M.2 NVME SSD + 3TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo (Combo Drive)
Freebie of Solid State Drive: None
Secondary Hard Drive: 1TB WD Black SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 7200 RPM HDD (Plus 16GB Intel Optane Memory HDD Acceleration 18X Faster (Secondary Storage Drive))
Hard Drive Cooling Fan: None
External Storage: None
Internal Wireless Network Card: None
Sound: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
Internal Network Card: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
USB Hub & Port: Internal USB 3.0 4-Port Hub
External Accessories: None
Operating System: Windows 10 Home (64-bit Edition)

WINDOWS 10 HOME or WINDOWS 10 PRO
Ultra Care Option: Cooler Master Mastergel Maker CPU-Thermal Compound Optimized for Thermal Dissipation

IS ABOVE SOMEHING I NEED/WANT

LOOKED ALL OVER THE CYBERPOWER LIST OF OPTIONS AND COULD NOT FIND NOCTUA COOLING FANS. 2ND CHOICE?

AGAIN SUPER THANKS IN ADVANCE

 

[Hitech651]

Guess I am not getting anymore replies so again 1000 thanks to everyone

 

[PC Tailor]

Sorry my friend
Is the list above the new PC you're potentially buying?
16GB is typically plenty for gaming, hardly any use more than 16GB.

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

Primary Hard Drive: 512GB Intel 660P M.2 NVME SSD + 3TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo (Combo Drive)

Secondary Hard Drive: 1TB WD Black SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 7200 RPM HDD (Plus 16GB Intel Optane Memory HDD Acceleration 18X Faster (Secondary Storage Drive))

Hi, as I mentioned in a previous reply, since you're getting an SSD + HDD combo as your "primary" hard drive, you don't need a "secondary" hard drive (unless you want 3 total drives). What they are calling "Secondary" would actually become your third drive.

The 3TB HDD would be your secondary hard drive.

 

[Hitech651]

Your right; will drop it to the 16 mg; hope to buy this week which is why I want the feedback;

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

WINDOWS 10 HOME OR PRO ?

I would just go with Home, unless you need advanced features like disk encryption, Windows Azure, or remote desktop connection. Home suffices for most casual home users.

 

[PC Tailor]

On top of that, you won't need Optane if you have an SSD.

 

[Hitech651]

This would be my buy unless someone sees a problem
Ref the combo and 2nd hard drive my thoughts is one to load the system; one for all gaming and the 3rd for all other

Thanks

CABLE:None

CARE1:Cooler Master Mastergel Maker CPU-Thermal Compound Optimized for Thermal Dissipation [+10]

CAS:CyberPowerPC INFERNO Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ RGB, USB 3.0, Tempered Glass Window [+4] (Black Color)

CASUPGRADE:None

CC:None

CD:LG 16X Internal Blu-ray Burner, BD-RE, 3D Playback DVD+RW Combo Drive [+86] (Black Color)

COOLANT:None

CPU:Intel® Core™ Processor i7-9700K 3.60GHZ 12MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1151 [-124]

CS_FAN:3X 120mm Case Fans for your selected case [+9]

ENGRAVING:None

EVGA_POWER:None

FA_HDD:None

FAN:Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Cooler w/ PWM fan - Efficient Cooling Performance [-5] (Hyper 212 EVO)

HDD:512GB Intel 660P M.2 NVME SSD + 2TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo [+65] (Combo Drive)

HDD2:2TB (2TBx1) Seagate SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 256MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+69] (Single Drive)

HEADSET:None

INSTRUCTION:None

IUSB:Internal USB 3.0 4-Port Hub [+25]

KEYBOARD:None [-5]

MEMORY:16GB (8GBx2) DDR4/3200MHz Dual Channel Memory [+9] (Corsair Vengeance LPX [+9])

MICROPHONE:None

MONITOR:None

MOPAD:None

MOTHERBOARD:GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI ATX w/ Intel 802.11ac WiFi, ARGB, USB 3.1, 3 PCIe x16, 3 PCIe x1, 6 SATA3, 2 M.2 SATA/PCIe [+103]

MOUSE:None [-3]

NETWORK:Onboard Gigabit LAN Network

OS:Windows 10 Home (64-bit Edition)

OVERCLOCK:No Overclocking

POWERSUPPLY:600 Watts - Standard 600Watts 80 Plus Gold high-efficient Power Supply

PRO_WIRING:None

PROJECTOR:None

RUSH:Standard processing time: ship within 5 to 10 Business Days

SERVICE:3 Years FREE Service Plan (INCLUDES LABOR AND LIFETIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT)

SLI_BRIDGE:None

SOUND:HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

SPEAKERS:None

TUNING:None

USBHD:None

USBX:None

VIDEO:GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 (Turing) [VR Ready] (Single Card)

VIVE_HEADSET:None

WARRANTYREMIUM WARRANTY: Standard 1 Year Parts WARRANTY + ONE (1) YEAR SHIPPING [+19]

WNC:None

WTV:None

fps:[{"FullHDFPS":160,"QuadHDFPS":100,"GameName":"COD: Black Ops 4"},{"FullHDFPS":140,"QuadHDFPS":100,"GameName":"Apex Legends"},{"FullHDFPS":280,"QuadHDFPS":115,"GameName":"Fortnite"}]

_PRICE+1870)

 

[PC Tailor]

If you're paying extra for the special thermal compound, don't just get standard - if it's no different then no worries.
Also just obviously make sure the PSU is a good quality one (it doesn't stipulate model there).

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

This would be my buy unless someone sees a problem
Ref the combo and 2nd hard drive my thoughts is one to load the system; one for all gaming and the 3rd for all other

Thanks

CABLE:None

CARE1:Cooler Master Mastergel Maker CPU-Thermal Compound Optimized for Thermal Dissipation [+10]

CAS:CyberPowerPC INFERNO Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ RGB, USB 3.0, Tempered Glass Window [+4] (Black Color)

CASUPGRADE:None

CC:None

CD:LG 16X Internal Blu-ray Burner, BD-RE, 3D Playback DVD+RW Combo Drive [+86] (Black Color)

COOLANT:None

CPU:Intel® Core™ Processor i7-9700K 3.60GHZ 12MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1151 [-124]

CS_FAN:3X 120mm Case Fans for your selected case [+9]

ENGRAVING:None

EVGA_POWER:None

FA_HDD:None

FAN:Cooler Master Hyper 212 CPU Cooler w/ PWM fan - Efficient Cooling Performance [-5] (Hyper 212 EVO)

HDD:512GB Intel 660P M.2 NVME SSD + 2TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo [+65] (Combo Drive)

HDD2:2TB (2TBx1) Seagate SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 256MB Cache 7200RPM HDD [+69] (Single Drive)

HEADSET:None

INSTRUCTION:None

IUSB:Internal USB 3.0 4-Port Hub [+25]

KEYBOARD:None [-5]

MEMORY:16GB (8GBx2) DDR4/3200MHz Dual Channel Memory [+9] (Corsair Vengeance LPX [+9])

MICROPHONE:None

MONITOR:None

MOPAD:None

MOTHERBOARD:GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI ATX w/ Intel 802.11ac WiFi, ARGB, USB 3.1, 3 PCIe x16, 3 PCIe x1, 6 SATA3, 2 M.2 SATA/PCIe [+103]

MOUSE:None [-3]

NETWORK:Onboard Gigabit LAN Network

OS:Windows 10 Home (64-bit Edition)

OVERCLOCK:No Overclocking

POWERSUPPLY:600 Watts - Standard 600Watts 80 Plus Gold high-efficient Power Supply

PRO_WIRING:None

PROJECTOR:None

RUSH:Standard processing time: ship within 5 to 10 Business Days

SERVICE:3 Years FREE Service Plan (INCLUDES LABOR AND LIFETIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT)

SLI_BRIDGE:None

SOUND:HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

SPEAKERS:None

TUNING:None

USBHD:None

USBX:None

VIDEO:GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 (Turing) [VR Ready] (Single Card)

VIVE_HEADSET:None

WARRANTYREMIUM WARRANTY: Standard 1 Year Parts WARRANTY + ONE (1) YEAR SHIPPING [+19]

WNC:None

WTV:None

fps:[{"FullHDFPS":160,"QuadHDFPS":100,"GameName":"COD: Black Ops 4"},{"FullHDFPS":140,"QuadHDFPS":100,"GameName":"Apex Legends"},{"FullHDFPS":280,"QuadHDFPS":115,"GameName":"Fortnite"}]

_PRICE+1870)

Change the power supply back to the 650W Corsair TX supply you had chosen earlier. We don't know what brand or model the "Standard" one is. Better to go with a good brand.

Also, make sure the one you select is either "Semi-modular" or fully modular. Modular PSUs ensure that only the necessary cables are attached (and hence reside in the case), making cable management easier and not dangling in the case unnecessarily impeding air flow.

Modular means you can put aside the peripheral power cables you don't need for another day when you add more fans or other components that need power.

 

[Hitech651]

Would a 600 Watts - Thermaltake SMART series 600Watts 80 Plus Gold high-efficient Power Supply [+1] be just as good? On sale and $54 cheaper than the Corsair.

 

[PC Tailor]

Would a 600 Watts - Thermaltake SMART series 600Watts 80 Plus Gold high-efficient Power Supply [+1] be just as good? On sale and $54 cheaper than the Corsair.

NO NO NO
avoid TT Smart like the plague.

Never go cheap on a PSU. It should be the last thing to try and go cheaper on. Unfortunately most people don't see it that way.
There is usually a reason why they are cheaper.

 

[Hitech651]

Bless you; already fixed to the Corsair

 

[Hitech651]

Wow; do I feel uneducated; first missed the part on the PSU; next what /wher are we talking??? "Also, make sure the one you select is either "Semi-modular" or fully modular. Modular PSU"

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

Wow; do I feel uneducated; first missed the part on the PSU; next what /wher are we talking??? "Also, make sure the one you select is either "Semi-modular" or fully modular. Modular PSU"

Please see red colored bold italicized text in quote below (taken from PSU choices on Cyberpower site configurator):

650 Watts - Corsair CX650M CX Series Modular 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

-$32
650 Watts - Corsair TX-M Series TX650M 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Semi-Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

Included in price
650 Watts - Corsair RM Series RM650 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Fully Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

+$5
650 Watts - Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Power Supply

-$17
750 Watts - Corsair RM Series RM750 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Fully Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

+$16
750 Watts - Enermax Revolution X't II series 750Watts 80 Plus Gold Semi-Modular w/ Twister Bearing Fan Power Supply

+$7
750 Watts - IN WIN PB Series RGB 750W 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active Power Supply

+$34
750 Watts - Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 750W 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Power Supply

 

[Hitech651]

Oh boy; figured it out; OK they ghave three Corsair options;

650 Watts - Corsair CX650M CX Series Modular 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

650 Watts - Corsair TX-M Series TX650M 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Semi-Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

650 Watts - Corsair RM Series RM650 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Fully Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

As suggested have the TX-M Sound right?

 

[PC Tailor]

Oh boy; figured it out; OK they ghave three Corsair options;

650 Watts - Corsair CX650M CX Series Modular 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

650 Watts - Corsair TX-M Series TX650M 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Semi-Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

650 Watts - Corsair RM Series RM650 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Fully Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

As suggested have the TX-M Sound right?

TX-M is excellent. If it's standard RM series, definitely get the TX. The latest TX-M is slightly above than the 2019 RM models (doesn't use japan caps), but the RMx is better than both.

TXM is an excellent choice regardless.

it gets confusing doesn't it?

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

Oh boy; figured it out; OK they ghave three Corsair options;

650 Watts - Corsair CX650M CX Series Modular 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

650 Watts - Corsair TX-M Series TX650M 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Semi-Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

650 Watts - Corsair RM Series RM650 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Fully Modular Ultra Quiet Power Supply

As suggested have the TX-M Sound right?

Yes, the one you have underlined looks great to me. Gold certified is good, semi-modular is good, and I think Corsair is a good brand. Good reviews for this one on Newegg as well.

 

[brokeBuilder2019]

Video Card: GeForce RTX™ 2070 8GB GDDR6 (Turing) [VR Ready] (Single Card)

One final thing ... PC Tailor had suggested that the AMD Radeon™ RX 5700 XT 8GB GDDR6 PCIe 4.0 [Navi] (Single Card) is a better performing card and provides much better value for money. And that seems to be the case if you look here: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-RTX-2070-vs-AMD-RX-5700-XT/4029vs4045

PC Tailor - what do you think ? RTX 2070 vs RX 5700 XT for this build ?